Cost:
Average monthly cost for 2g of organic Spirulina is $6 with an average 14% LDL reduction.
Average monthly cost for moderate-intensity statin is $197 with an average 34% LDL cholesterol reduction.
Is it right for me?
Spirulina is a safe & effective way to lower total and LDL cholesterol in non-diabetic men with mildly high cholesterol levels.
Always include a healthy lifestyle:
Quit smoking, Eat healthy
Exercise 30 min/day
Manage stress
C R U S H!
High Cholesterol with
J AMI F ERNANDEZ
UCCS Department of Health Sciences
Safety:
Clinical evidence supports using noncontaminated, non-toxic Spirulina platensis or Spirulina maxima orally and appropriately is safe & well tolerated by humans.
Purchasing from trusted brand limits contamination (microcystins) and absorption of heavy metals from water source.
Side Effects: diarrhea, bloating, upset stomach, flatulence, and edema
UNSAFE for children & pregnant or breastfeeding women
Do NOT use Spirulina if you have:
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
A bleeding disorder
Gastrointestinal condition
Diabetes, Allergy to blue-green algae
Musculoskeletal or neurologic disease
Autoimmune disease
ADHD
Or have been prescribed a high-intensity statin
33% of American men do!

Downsides of statins:
 Muscle and joint aches
 Possible liver & kidney damage
 Nausea, diarrhea & constipation
 Increased blood sugar or type 2 diabetes
 Neurological side effects
 Usually taken for the rest of your life
Common Uses:
Lower LDL cholesterol
Prevent heart disease
Weight loss
Boost immune system
Reduce allergies
Rich source of nutrients:
Contains up to 70% protein
B-complex vitamins
More beta-carotene than carrots
Vitamin E
Phycocyanin, Chlorophyll
Numerous minerals
Naturally found in the warm,
Alkaline waters of the world.
Origins include addition to diets of the Aztecs in Mexico
Most commercial Spirulina products sold in the US are grown in labs
Spirulina – “ blue-green algae ”
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Several studies have shown Spirulina platensis & maxima can effectively reduce total and LDL cholesterol in nondiabetic adults. Total cholesterol reduction up to 12%/17% and LDL cholesterol up to 20%/22% respectively.
NEVER STOP TAKING ANY PRESCRIBED
MEDICATIONS SUCH AS STATINS
Generally Recognized as a Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for up to 250mg/serving.
As a cholesterol-reducing supplement, studies have shown:
Spirulina platensis is safe and effective –
2g/day for up to 2 months
Spirulina maxima is safe and effective –
4.5g/day for up to 3months
WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR
Commercial Products:
Spirulina platensis – tablet, capsule or powder form (California)
Spirulina maxima – powder form (Mexico)
Spirulina can be contaminated with heavy metals. The cleanest sources are from Hawaii.